PONTYPOOL outside half Byron Hayward (pictured) says referees are to blame for the declining number of attractive games in Wales' First Division.

And he warns fans will get fewer and fewer below the Premier flight unless referees adopt a more sympathetic approach.

"My experience, after four games in Division One, is that the teams want to play rugby but that the referees are stopping them," said Hayward.

"I have been playing for more than ten years at the top level and I've never slagged off referees. They have a hard job and I appreciate that.

"But in the First Division they never stop blowing their whistle and the game is suffering. "I don't know if they are over-reacting because they are being assessed and feel they have to blow for everything," added the former Wales, Llanelli and Gloucester ace, "or whether they feel they have to leave their mark on a game.

"But I feel they need to have more empathy with the players and that they should be held accountable if they perform badly.

"What makes it worse is that if you ask them for an explanation for something they tell you to go away and treat you like a child. You don't get that in the Premiership. "The standard of referee in the First Division is appalling, the crowds are falling and it needs to change."

Pontypool, home to Llandovery tomorrow, are hoping to click into top gear, something they believe thay have yet to do this season despite their 100 percent record. "We have still to completely gel," said team manager Tony Clark "When we do, somebody could be in for a hiding.

"But we must guard against complacency. Sometimes it's easy to switch off against opponents who seem less threatening and that's when you can come unstuck." Pontypool include Martin Llewellyn on dual registration from Newport on the right wing tomorrow while Richard Jenkins takes over from the injured Byron Hayward at outside half.

The club are negotiating to sign a Maori international full back, who has a British passport, as David Smith is due to enter hospital for another scan on his injured knee. Pontypool: J Griffin, M Llewellyn, S John, J Hawker, L Woodard, R Jenkins, N Lloyd, A Phillips, L Jones, G Gunter, K Faletau, M Powell, M Taylor, A Howarth, M Jones. Replacements: B Jeffries, G Jenkins, D Manley, A Lloyd, U Moa, C Treharne, L Murray, M Tuipulotu. Kick-off 2.30pm. Meet ground 12.45pm.

Members can purchase unlimited tickets for the Wales v Argentina and Tonga games at Elm House or from secretary Arthur Crane at the weekend.